Lot of 2 Tairona Carved / Incised Bone Vomit Sticks

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 10th to 16th century CE. A pair of carved deer bone ritual vomit sticks with skillfully-executed figural finials – both standing in similar poses with their hands meeting over their abdomens. Their forms are also quite kindred, presenting angular shoulders, openwork areas between their arms and slender torsos, nearly identical faces with almond-shaped eyes, triangular noses, closed mouths, and bob-like coiffures with bangs. The main difference between the two is that one stands in a squatting pose with bent knees, while the other's legs are covered by a long skirt. Ritual vomit sticks like these examples are used as part of a hallucinogenic drug session in Peru and parts of northern Brazil. The alkaloid drug, likely ayahuasca, was ingested and then forcefully purged to induce profound "visions." Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 8.375" H (21.3 cm); 8.625" H (21.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private California, USA collection; ex-Gerald A. Smith collection from 2001 estate of Dr. Geoffrey A. Smith

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#135149
Condition Report: Expected age wear but the forms are very well preserved and have developed a wonderful warm glowing patina.